The evening light filtered through the living room windows, bathing everything in a golden hue. Rocky, the little French bulldog, was lying on his favorite blanket, ears alert and eyes attentive to Carla and Diego’s every move. A separation with barks and tears by MasTorrencito
Sitting across from each other, they exchanged glances that oscillated between sadness, guilt and uncertainty. It was not shouts or reproaches that filled the atmosphere, but a heavy silence that said much more.
-We can’t go on like this, Diego. -Carla broke the silence, her voice serene but charged with emotion.
Diego, who was staring at the ground, looked up at her.
-I know, Carla. I don’t want to keep arguing… but what are we going to do about Rocky? -She asked, pointing to the dog, who was now tilting his head to one side, as if trying to understand what they were talking about.
Rocky had been the only witness to it all: the laughter at first, the small disagreements that turned into cracks, and finally, the decision to separate. He had been there every moment, offering comfort with his presence and his small gestures: licking a trembling hand, resting his head on a leg when he felt the atmosphere tense.
Carla sighed, caressing the teacup in her hands.
-I think I should stay with him. -His tone was firm, but he avoided looking at Diego directly. I’ve been spending more time with Rocky since I’ve been working from home. And… I don’t know, I feel like he needs me too.
Diego, who until that moment had remained calm, let out a sarcastic laugh.
-Really? That’s it? «You feel he needs you»? What about me? Doesn’t he count that I was the one who wanted to adopt him when we first saw him? Who insisted on going to the shelter because I fell in love with him at first sight?
Carla pursed her lips, remembering that day. It was true, Diego had been the one who, with childish excitement, had pointed to the little puppy asleep in a corner of the shelter. «That’s ours,» he had said then. But he also remembered the nights when she had stayed up nursing him when he was sick, or the times when Rocky had run to her for comfort.
-Diego, I’m not saying you don’t love him. I know how important he is to you. But… how are we going to do it? Pull him like a string in a game of tug-of-war?
Diego ran his hands through his hair and stood up, pacing back and forth across the room.
-I’m not saying that’s what I want. I’m just…» he paused and looked at the dog, who had now sat up, watching them with a mixture of curiosity and concern. I just don’t want to lose him.
The conversation went on for hours. They talked about all the possibilities: that one would keep him and the other would visit, that they would share custody, they even briefly suggested letting someone else adopt him, but that idea was immediately dismissed. They both knew they couldn’t imagine their lives without Rocky, though they also knew that the dog’s life should not be marked by the pain of their separation.
Finally, they agreed to try joint custody. One week with Carla, one week with Diego.
-It’s going to be complicated,» said Carla, as Diego nodded with a mixture of resignation and hope. But if we do this right, Rocky won’t have to suffer.
Diego leaned over to pet the dog and whispered:
-I hope you understand that it’s not your fault, my friend.
The first week was difficult for both of them. Carla took Rocky to the apartment where she now lived alone. The dog followed her everywhere, but at night he would stand by the door, waiting, ears down and eyes sad.
-I understand you, little one. I miss him too,» Carla told him one night as she cuddled him on the couch.
When Diego’s turn came, the scenario was similar. Although Rocky played and went out to the park as usual, in the evenings he would stare out the window, as if expecting to see Carla suddenly appear. Diego also felt the weight of the absence, not only of Carla, but of the family they had once formed.
A month later, they met in the park. Carla was sitting on a bench, and Diego suddenly appeared with Rocky trotting beside him. Seeing Carla, the dog ran to her, jumping for joy.
-Hello, Carla. I didn’t expect to see you here. -Diego smiled shyly.
-Neither do I, but Rocky seems to be happy to see us together,» Carla replied, as she petted the dog.
They stood in silence for a moment, watching Rocky run back and forth, his happiness so pure that it seemed to light up the park.
-It’s funny, isn’t it? -said Diego finally. How he doesn’t understand anything that’s going on, but he still loves us both the same.
Carla looked at him and nodded.
-Yes. Maybe… we should learn something from him.
-Learn what?
-That love is not something that is distributed or divided. It’s something that just… exists. -Carla paused, thinking about everything that had happened. I think Rocky teaches us that even though we can’t be together anymore, that doesn’t mean we can’t still care for something we both love.
Diego nodded, with a melancholy smile.
-I guess you’re right. Maybe, deep down, we are luckier than we think we are.
Final reflection
Separations are, in essence, a mourning. A goodbye not only to a relationship, but to a lifestyle, to shared dreams, and, in this case, to the idea of a family that included Rocky. But these types of stories also show us the capacity of human beings to adapt, to leave behind reproaches and find solutions that prioritize the well-being of those who depend on us the most.
The fact that Rocky remained happy, regardless of the changes, was a lesson in itself. Animals don’t judge, they don’t hold grudges, and they don’t understand divisions. For them, love is something constant, something that is not measured or restricted by human complications.
Often, in the midst of our struggles and conflicts, we forget the essential: love is not about possession, but about caring and commitment. Perhaps, if we could see things from the perspective of a dog like Rocky, we would learn to be less selfish and more generous, not only with others, but also with ourselves.
In every happy bark and every wagging tail, there’s a reminder: sometimes, loving means letting go. Other times, it means learning to share. And, at all times, it means always wanting the best for the one who matters most. ❤️🐾
From MasTorrencito we wish you a good day and may your dogs be with you!!!!
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